Palestinian dish, Palestinian duty: DJ Khaled slammed for silence on Gaza

American-Palestinian music producer, DJ Khaled, found himself at the center of controversy after a recent appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

During the episode, Khaled, whos parents are both Palestinian, excitedly shared his love for maqluba, a traditional Palestinian dish, as part of a lighthearted conversation with Fallon. While the appearance seemed like an innocent celebration of his heritage, it quickly sparked a wave of criticism from many within the Arab community and beyond.

 - What is Maqluba? - 

Maqluba, a beloved dish made of rice, meat (often chicken or lamb), vegetables, and spices originating from Palestine, is a cultural staple in Levantine homes.

The name "maqluba" means "upside down" in Arabic, which refers to the method of serving the dish. After cooking, the pot is flipped upside down to reveal the layers, which creates a visually striking presentation.

 - A cultural moment marred by silence -

Khaled’s choice to share this part of his heritage on a major platform was initially praised by some who saw it as a positive moment of representation. However, the praise soon turned to anger when Khaled failed to mention the ongoing Israeli Occupation of Palestine and the humanitarian crisis unfolding in Gaza, particularly in light of the recent escalation of violence.

Since Oct. 7, 2023, Gaza has seen escalating Israeli Occupation airstrikes and ground operations, and the Palestinian cause received significant international attention. Thousands of lives have been lost, and Gaza's infrastructure has been decimated, leading to accusations of genocide.

Many critics believe that as a public figure of Palestinian descent, DJ Khaled has a responsibility to use his platform to advocate for his people and speak out against the ongoing violence and occupation.

Here are some online reactions:

His favorite food is Palestinian, but he REFUSES to speak for his people who have been under attack for 14 months

Patheticpic.twitter.com/y4QLMC24Mh

— Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) November 23, 2024

Maqlouba is the national dish of the Palestinian people, your people, @djkhaled who you have watched being slaughtered for over a year while you are silent like a coward https://t.co/13GuwlTOVz

— Khalil Sayegh خليل الصايغ (@KhalilJeries) November 23, 2024

eating maqluba on national TV and still won’t utter a word about what’s happening to his people … dj khaled is a waste of space https://t.co/hEduL5JOOX

— Hurt CoPain (@SaeedDiCaprio) November 23, 2024

DJ Khaled is a Palestinian (if he even considers himself) man who on American TV is eating a Levantine/Palestinian dish as Palestinians, Lebanese, and Syrians are suffering genocide by the hands of the zionist entity.

He has been silent for 13 consecutive months now, not a word. https://t.co/tBUc0Tqau9

—  Ujala/উজালা | সব নিপীড়িত মানুষের মুক্তি (@shimmeringolds) November 24, 2024

No food or aid has entered North Gaza in weeks. People are eating leaves, bug infested crops and rotten food to survive. Children are dying of starvation. I mean this with all the hate, DJ Khaled is a nasty, vile man and I wish him nothing but the worst. https://t.co/6oTbeaCEPl

— t a z z i (@CurlyTazzi) November 23, 2024

Palestinian DJ Khaled has the privilege to stuff his face with maqluba, a dish deeply ingrained in Palestinian culture.

All while Palestinians are starving & facing disease in Gaza, as hundreds of thousands of Palestinians continue to perish due to Israel’s U.S.-funded genocide. https://t.co/toqqz1udBk

— historienne gauchère #FreeKashmir #OneKorea (@fOrGiVeNcHy) November 23, 2024

"They put it in a pot and flip it over before you start eating it."
Who is "They", @djkhaled? The same Palestinian people whose name you cannot bring yourself to say. The same Palestine where you come from. The same Palestinians who are starving while you have stayed silent. https://t.co/NkDxQV99lD

— Fatima  (@fatyana) November 23, 2024

 - A missed opportunity -

The controversy surrounding Khaled's appearance underscores the difficult balance many public figures face when navigating their cultural identity and the political realities surrounding it. For many Palestinians, Khaled's success in mainstream media is a point of pride. But when it comes to standing up against the injustices faced by his people, the lack of a clear, vocal stance has caused disillusionment.

As Khaled enjoys the fruits of his career, his decision to remain silent during one of the most critical times in Palestinian history may ultimately define his legacy. While he may continue to share his love for maqluba, many Palestinians are asking: can he truly represent Palestinian culture without acknowledging the ongoing struggle for justice?

Until DJ Khaled speaks out on the situation in Gaza, his fans and critics alike will continue to question whether he’s doing enough to advocate for the people and the cause that he proudly claims to represent.